International students eye China future

Each year, thousands of young people arrive to China for their studies.

Not all of them return home though.

With more and more each year choosing to stay and make their life in China.

Lifestyles went to a careers fair in Beijing to find out why.

With Spring turning into Summer, and final exams just days weeks

away, many students are now thinking about life after uni.

At this event, at Beijing’s International Studies University, that

transition is being eased.

Organized by the Zhongguancun Belt and Road Industrial Promotion

Association, the jobs fair gives students the chance to meet more than 70

companies – and potentially sign up to an internship or job.

It’s a route lots more are choosing to take each year.

Many say they come to China, enticed by its exciting culture - but stay when they realize the career opportunities that China offers.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) 03:57-04: FAOSTA, Italy

“It’s way easier than in Europe for instance, and the wage is

pretty good. So if anyone is interested in teaching English – just come to

China, and you will just find it I think. It’s good, it’s good.”

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) 03:22 -3:51, Dr Shaymaa Emara, Egypt

“They have a very excellent improvement in the medical field and

medical technology – so I’m here for that. Also I’m working on laser

engineering to be applied in the medical field. And this is like a new branch. It’s not very common around the world. So when I found this branch existed in China – so I felt ‘OK, that’s a sign I have to be there’.”

--CUT AWAY TO DIFFERENT VIDEO: CHINA OPENING UP

Around a million foreigners live in China today – just a tiny fraction

of its vast 1.4 billion population.

As part of opening up, the Government has been making efforts to bolster its fast-developing industries with fresh talent from overseas -attracting bright young professionals with scholarships, visa reform, and less regulation for

start-ups or entrepreneurs.

-VIDEO, HAINAN ISLAND

No place is this more true than Hainan Island - announced in April

as China newest and largest free trade zone.

The potential of a career on China’s tropical retreat has gotten

young people excited.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) 01:42 -1:56, CLARA JOAQUIMA, Spain

“So I think it’s going to be a good, good opportunity. I heard

it’s like a new Hong Kong from China. But we have to see how it develops. I

think it’s going to be a great idea.”

Of course, not all students will stay.

Even if the students don’t sign-up with a firm today – many say

they will be returning home with skills good for everyone.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) 01:21 -2:41, SABA HAIDER, Pakistan

“So I can also return as a translator for Pakistani students if I come back from China to Pakistan, then I can be a Chinese teacher for them. So that’s why I have different aims. ”

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) 02:24 -2:57, LUX KHANAL, Nepal

“Nepal and China are neighbouring countries. And most of the people go to Nepal to visit. But a lack of the language problem. These people, they cannot explain about the places. So at first I realize that language is most important. To

invite Chinese tourist to Nepal. So I want to come to China. I want to learn Chinese language. After that: Chinese culture. What’s our contribution? What should we do to invite Chinese tourist in our country. That is the main purpose